Generation of radical anions by decomposition of azo compounds

Author

Jenkins, Rhonda Michelle

Date

1996

Degree

Master of Arts

Abstract

A new method for the generation of radical anions has been developed. Homolytic cleavage of an azo compound bearing a negative charge $\beta$ to the N=N linkage creates a radical anion intermediate. The radical anions so generated have been shown to undergo quantitatively the same chemical reactions as their neutral counterparts, namely disproportionation and recombination. The cage effects for anionic azo compounds are essentially the same as for their neutral counterparts. The negative charge causes a slight decrease in the overall stability of the azo compounds.